Of Desserts and Character

By Rolo B. Cena

Hushed Poppies

Dumaguete Star Informer

16 September 2012

Cebu City, Philippines – With the 2013 Mid-term elections drawing near, anybody who has articulated his plan to run for public office can be a staple over everybody’s table.  With the advent of plug-and-play media, everybody can be an easy prey to character assassination.

In one of her radio programs, Korina Sanchez commented that “dark and small malignant spirits” wanted to take over the post of secretary of department of interior, following speculations on who shall relieve Sec. Jesse Robredo who died in a plane crash off the waters of Masbate.  This solicited inquiry, if not investigation, among political rivals, friends and allies.

And high-profile Jejomar Binay, the country’s second highest elected official is no exemption to this.  He believes he is the “dark and small malignant spirit.”  Arguably though, he can be; thanks to Ms. Sanchez for suggesting if not indicating, but is he?

He is dark – yes; but he is not small, literally and figuratively.  Is he a spirit? – No!  He is not elemental; you can see and feel him anytime.  So what’s the point?  Let’s take a ride!

Without hesitation at all, Binay expressly revealed his plan to run for presidency early this year.  God bless him!    

Character assassination happens anytime, anywhere, to anybody.  This is realistically true!

It happens in the clan:  When former President Corazon Aquino was new to Malacanang, a lot has been told about her brother’s close and unwavering allegiance to the former dictator Ferdinand Marcos. It was said that all the economic and political excesses of Martial Law benefited not only the first family but also the cronies.  And this includes Danding Cojuanco of the San Miguel Corporation fame, among others. 

It happens in the team:  When the Philippine Dragon Boat Team won half a dozen of gold medals in Tampa, Florida, the Philippines Olympic Committee chaired by Pepeng Cojuanco was urged to recognize them as a national team.  Clashes ensued.  The worst was:  The POC leadership demanded that they be subjected to drug tests for seemingly lame and unacceptable reasons.  Soccer Team Azkal was at the height of their commercial and commercialized popularity then, but never has won any gold for the country.  Cobra stays strong:  Milan World Championship was another feat for a half-dozen gold medals despite character assassination.

It happens in the corporate world:  When one Biology professor from UP accused her boss of sexual harassment, her credibility was mocked and integrity as a professor questioned.   While she won the case, she lost the renewal of her contract.  The chairman of the committee was her boss, whom she accused.  To date, she was hailed as the foremost local and international scientist in her field.   

It can happen to even the most ordinary of people:  In your organization, in my organization. In can happen to you, it can happen to me.  And it is chronically happening now.  Beware!

When it was announced that Jejomar Binay is running against Mar Roxas for the vice presidential slot, much have been told against him by the same media personalities; Roxas was the darling of the crowd.  Earlier in the race, Binay was even speculated to lose.  But with the twist of fate, he won!

Evidently, victims of character assassination stays; assassinators don’t:  Danding stays; that UP Professor waves; the Dragon Boat Team sails; and Binay flies.  

                            

Regardless of how grandest, festive or sumptuous the meal is on the table, not everybody can be very happy to join the banquet; not even all those who are invited are blissfully and healthily filled.  And do not be surprised:  Sometimes, not all desserts are sweet.